After years of dedication on the court, senior Remi Myers took her final steps on the Salina Central gym floor for her last home game on Oct. 15.
“It’s surreal to play my last home game, and it is very bittersweet,” Myers said. “It’s the beginning of the end.”
The volleyball team lost to Junction City 2-0 and South 2-0.
“I was disappointed with the way things ended up,” senior Tessa Snyder said. “That was not how any of us wanted our senior night to go.”
Seniors Snyder, Myers and Rhian Shrole were honored after the tournament.
“I’ve gotten close with this grade,” junior Mckynlee Dunlap said. “And it didn’t really hit me until they were announcing their names.”
Dunlap said that their team dynamic and skill level will change without the seniors.
“I definitely think it’s going to be a big change because we don’t have a lot of returners from varsity last year,” Dunlap said. “But I definitely think it’s a young team, and I think we have potential to be good next year, especially having such a young team that we can build on moving forward.”
Head coach Brandon Stephenson said that the seniors have faced challenges throughout their time with the team.
“With all three of them being in the program for as long as they have, they’ve seen a lot of ups and downs,” Stephenson said. “And they understand that with a new varsity team there’s going to be some hurdles that we have to do and overcome, and with that there are growing pains.”
The volleyball team only had two returning varsity players this year, Myers and junior Addison Hansen.
“It means a lot to have played on the team all four years, be a part of the program and show my pride to Central,” Myers said. “I’ve learned a lot, not just from an athlete’s perspective, but as a person.”
Stephenson said that the seniors became leaders this season.
“Some of the seniors have been able to step up into more of a leadership role, maybe not vocally, but more in action,” Stephenson said. “The seniors have put their stamp on the program, however big or small that is.”
The Mustangs went 2-3 at Abilene on Oct. 19, defeating Agusta 2-0 and Ellsworth 2-0. They are now 9-24 overall and did not qualify for sub-state. Salina Central plays at Eisenhower on Oct. 22 to finish their season.
Though the Mustangs don’t get to continue to post-season play, Snyder said that she’s grateful for the time she spent on the court with her teammates.
“It’s been really meaningful to represent Salina Central over the years,” Snyder said. “I am proud to be from Central, and I’m a better person because of my teammates. I’m very grateful I got to spend my last year with these girls.”
